Food & Drink

Best Burritos In South Bay

There is no shortage of taquerias in the Bay Area with succulent burritos, but San Jose and Mountain View easily trump the rest of the area with their offerings. With stiff competition in the area, here are five establishments delivering burritos that are worthy of an addiction.

Iguanas is a family-operated establishment that has been around since 1994. While also serving up tasty tacos, tortas, quesadillas and nachos, Iguanas has built its reputation around burritos. In particular, Iguanas is known for its Burritozilla that weighs in at five pounds and is 18 inches long. This monster-sized favorite even won the attention of the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” and appeared on the show. Of course, it is inside what matters and Iguanas’ family recipes are what keep hungry customers coming back. Al pastor is pork that is marinated in chilis and spices for up two days and is a popular choice among customers as the base of the burrito. However, not everyone has a Burritozilla appetite, so for those looking for a lighter bite check out the regular size and mini burritos.

La Costeña has long been highly regarded and is regularly voted the best burrito in Mountain View. The magic happens at an unassuming Mexican grocery store at a tiny counter in the back. The carne asada, which is cooked to order, is considered by many to be the top choice. Served with your choice of brown, white or Spanish rice and refried, pinto or whole black beans, pile up the goodness. These super-sized burritos can be further customized to include grilled vegetables, cheese, guacamole, sour cream and salsa. If you aren’t impressed yet, this just might do it. As of 1997, La Costeña holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for the world’s largest burrito, which weighed in at 4,456.3 pounds and was measured at 3,578 feet long. In case you are wondering – it is not on the menu.

La Victoria, also fondly known as La Vic, is a popular go-to spot in the South Bay for burritos. Originally founded in 1998, one block away from San Jose State University, the restaurant has grown to include five locations. Since its inception, it has become a popular spot for breakfast burritos made of beans and rice and your choice of chorizo and eggs, bacon and eggs, ham and eggs or potato and eggs. It is also famous for its delicately seasoned carne asada burritos. But what really sets La Vic apart is its famous orange sauce. This creamy, spicy condiment takes center stage, but don’t dare ask for the recipe – it is a closely guarded treasure.

Sancho’s Taqueria is an authentic Mexican eatery that brings together quality produce with skilled culinary staff – including Adam Torres, who previously held positions at Village Pub and Boulevard. Open since 2005, the taqueria has already expanded to include three South Bay locations and a food truck in the Peninsula. The plentiful carnitas super burrito with guacamole, salsa, beans (pinto, black or refried), sour cream and pico de gallo has been hailed a favorite. With a brightly colored interior and personality to match the food, it is no wonder that Sancho’s has become a favorite.

La Bamba history stretches back to the mid-1980s and today the popular restaurant has three locations in Mountain View. The taqueria offers traditional Mexican and Salvadorian dishes made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Its famous tortillas are made daily and the salsas are prepared fresh throughout the day to ensure quality, consistent flavor. The pollo and carne asada fillings are considered to be favorites and both are a perfect complement to the hefty burritos which are filled with crunchy, well-seasoned bits of meat, sautéed vegetables and topped off with sour cream and guacamole. With an illustrious Bay Area history, it is no wonder that La Bamba is regularly voted a favorite.

Jenna Broughton can frequently be found exploring the streets of San Francisco looking for her next adventure and gastronomic delight. She has traveled far and wide, from Paris to Savannah, GA, to satisfy her adventurous palate. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.